The Order of Myths

The Mardi Gras societies in Mobile operate as private organizations that voluntarily maintain racial separation. Both the black and white communities choose to keep their societies distinct, exercising what the film presents as their constitutional Freedom of Assembly. This differs from historical forced segregation, as each group independently decides its membership and leadership structure.

Mardi Gras in Mobile dates back to 1703, making it the oldest continuous Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. The film highlights this historical foundation as significant, showing how traditions established over 300 years ago continue to shape modern celebrations in the city.

The film emphasizes Freedom of Assembly as a constitutional principle that grants both black and white communities the right to determine their own membership. This argument frames the segregated societies not as imposed segregation but as voluntary associations, suggesting the separation is a choice protected by law rather than mandated by it.

Sam Jones is the Black mayor of Mobile, Alabama, elected with overwhelming support. The film presents his election as a significant political shift, highlighting Mobile's progressive trajectory and suggesting that the city's governance has moved beyond the racial divisions visible in its Mardi Gras celebrations.

While both communities maintain separate societies with their own kings and queens, the film shows they share remarkably similar traditions. Both groups organize parades, hold balls, and celebrate with comparable pomp and camaraderie. The primary distinction lies in their racial composition rather than the substance of their celebrations.

The film highlights a stark historical continuity: the great-grandchildren of enslaved people and the great-grandchildren of slave owners in Mobile still live highly segregated lives. This connection serves as a central revelation, suggesting that despite progress in other areas, racial division persists in the city's social fabric.

No, the film clarifies that Mobile does not have laws mandating racial separation for Mardi Gras. The segregation exists because each society voluntarily chooses to maintain racial exclusivity in its membership. This distinction is central to the film's argument about Freedom of Assembly versus forced segregation.

The film deliberately parallels the black and white Mardi Gras celebrations, showing both groups with kings, queens, parades, and balls that mirror each other in structure and spirit. This visual comparison suggests that despite racial separation, the communities share a common cultural foundation and celebratory spirit.

The Globe and Mail review described the film as 'A study of community ritual, pomp and camaraderie' that 'gradually unveils the startling connections between the two communities, where the great-grandchildren of slaves and the great-grandchildren of slave owners still live highly segregated lives.' This captures the film's dual focus on celebration and social revelation.

The film's focus on racial segregation, combined with imagery of separate water fountains and bus seating reminiscent of the Old South, creates associations with forced segregation. However, the film acknowledges this is a choice by each society rather than mandated segregation, leading to potential viewer misconceptions about the nature of Mobile's separation.

The film portrays Mobile's government as increasingly diverse and representative. With Sam Jones as the current Black mayor, elected overwhelmingly, the film suggests Mobile has made significant political progress. This progressive political landscape contrasts with the continued social segregation visible in Mardi Gras celebrations.

The film ends ambiguously, presenting Mobile's complex situation without a clear resolution. It highlights both the festive richness of Mardi Gras and the ongoing racial division, leaving viewers to contemplate whether the tradition will evolve or remain segregated. The documentary suggests this is an ongoing conversation rather than a solved problem.